Chariots of Fire’s win for Best Picture in 1981 was considered a shocking upset over the heavy favorite Reds, and although I consider Raiders of the Lost Ark to be that year’s best film, I certainly consider Chariots to be a much more enjoyable film compared to Warren Beatty’s long, challenging epic. Of course, I am a runner, so I suppose I could be a little biased.

The film places a large emphasis on the religious aspect and Liddell contributes much of his success to “the kingdom of god” within him. The most moving speech in the film comes when Liddell confronts his sister who is convinced her brother’s running will interfere with his higher duty as a missionary in China:

“I believe that God made me for a purpose. For China. But he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure. To give it up would be to hold him in contempt. You were right, it’s not just fun. To win is to honor him.”

In fact, Liddell’s refusal to run on Sunday was not a last minute thing as it is portrayed in the film. The race schedule was available for months prior to the event and Liddell had been training specifically for the 400m, a race he runs in the film only after a fellow runner defers his spot. Fact or fiction, it makes for great storytelling.

Still, as entertaining as Chariots of Fire is, the movie’s lasting popularity pales in comparison to that of its Vangelis theme song that plays over the memorable image of the athletes’ running barefoot along the beach. As a runner myself, I can tell you there are few out there who haven’t imagined themselves running in slow motion to that infectious tune. In our technologically heavy age it has also become a popular ringtone and I’d bet many who use it have never even seen the film.

The theme song won one of the film’s four Oscar wins which in addition to best picture also included original screenplay and costume design. In addition, it was nominated for director, editing and best supporting actor Ian Holm who plays Abrahams’ coach Sam Mussabini.

So, if the 2008 Olympic Games are not entertaining enough for you–or the broadcast is focusing on one of the events that might excit someone, but fails to tickle your fancy–may I recommend this dramatization of the 1924 Olympic Games.